Fuse module with movable fuse holder for fused electrical device

ABSTRACT

Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module is mounted to the housing of a fused electrical device. The fused electrical device can include at least one power output displaced along the power distribution housing with the at least one power output electrically couplable to at least one power input. The fuse module can be electrically coupled to the at least one power input and electrically couplable to the at least one power outputs. Further, the fuse module can comprise at least one fuse holder that is movable between a first position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electrically couplable to the at least one power output and a second position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder not electrically couplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allow access to the fuse.

This patent application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/636,263, filed on Dec. 7, 2006, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/758,394, filedJan. 11, 2006, and 60/852,726, filed Oct. 18, 2006. These applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fused electrical apparatus having ahousing allowing access to a fuse operable within the housing and moreparticularly, in one preferred form, to a fuse module having a movablefuse holder coupled to the housing.

BACKGROUND

Fuses are a common component found in many electrical devices. Ingeneral, fuses are electrical safety components consisting of a wire orstrip that melts and interrupts a circuit when the current passingthrough the fuse exceeds a particular amperage. Once a fuse is blown,i.e., the wire or strip melts, the fuse must be replaced to re-establishthe circuit.

Replacing blown fuses in fused electrical devices often requiresdisassembly of the electrical device and/or use of one or morehand-tools to access and retrieve a blown fuse. Accordingly, accessingand replacing a blown fuse can often be a difficult, cumbersome andtime-consuming process.

It is therefore desirable to provide a more effective device and methodfor accessing and replacing blown fuses in fused electrical devices.

SUMMARY

Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fusedelectrical devices and electrical devices comprising the same. The fusemodule of the present application provides relatively easy access tofuses without requiring tools or disassembly of the electrical device towhich the fuse module is associated.

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one fuse module ismounted to the housing of a fused electrical device, such as a powerdistribution unit. The power distribution unit can receive at least onepower input and have at least one power output to provide power toassociated electronic equipment. More specifically, the powerdistribution unit can include at least one power output displaced alongthe power distribution housing with the power output electricallycouplable to the at least one power input. The fuse module can beelectrically coupled to the at least one power input and electricallycouplable to the at least one power output. Further, the fuse module cancomprise at least one fuse holder movable between a first or “service”position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electricallycouplable to the at least one power output and a second or “retracted”position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is not electricallycouplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allowaccess to the fuse.

In certain implementations, the fuse holder is rotatable between thefirst and second positions. A fuse held by the fuse holder can begenerally inaccessible from outside the housing when the fuse holder isin the first position and accessible from outside the housing when thefuse holder is in the second position. In certain exemplaryimplementations, the fuse can be a cartridge-type fuse.

In specific implementations, the fuse module can further comprise atleast one fuse terminal electrically coupled to the at least one powerinput and electrically couplable to the at least one power outlet. Theat least one fuse terminal can be in removably receiving communicationwith a fuse held by the fuse holder when the holder is in the firstposition. In the first position, the fuse and fuse terminal act toelectrically couple the at least one power input and the at least onepower outlet.

In some implementations, a printed circuit board can be disposed withinthe power distribution unit housing. The printed circuit board can beelectrically connected to the at least one power input and the at leastone power outlet. In specific implementations, the fuse module cancomprise at least one fuse clamp electrically coupled to the printedcircuit board. The at least one fuse clamp can be in removably receivingcommunication with a fuse held by the fuse holder when the holder is inthe first position. The fuse and fuse terminal act to electricallycouple the at least one power input and the at least one power outletvia the printed circuit board. In certain implementations, the at leastone fuse clamp can comprise opposing fuse clamp arms biased to removablyreceive and secure a fuse held by the at least one fuse holder when thefuse holder is in the first position.

In some implementations, the at least one fuse holder can comprise a tabportion external to the housing and engageable by a user to move thefuse holder between the first and second positions.

In some implementations, the at least one fuse module can comprise abase fixedly attached to an external portion of the power distributionunit housing. The fuse holder can be movably coupled to the fuse carrierbase.

In some implementations, the at least one fuse module can comprise atleast two fuse holders.

In still some implementations, at least one fuse condition indicator canbe in electronic communication with a fuse held by the retractable fuseholder when the fuse holder is in the first position. In someimplementations, the at least one fuse access passage comprises aplurality of fuse access passages, the at least one power outputcomprises a plurality of power outputs, and the at least one fuse modulecomprises a plurality of fuse modules. In specific implementations, atleast two of the plurality of power outputs are interconnected to form abank of power outputs.

In one specific exemplary implementation, the base can comprise opposingresilient tabs and the at least one fuse holder is pivotably secured tothe base at one end of the holder by the resilient tabs. The at leastone fuse holder can pivot away from the power distribution unit housingwhen the holder moves from the first position to the second position.The base can substantially cover the at least one fuse access passageand have a fuse holder access opening adjacent the fuse access passage.When in the first position, the at least one fuse holder extends throughthe fuse access passage and the fuse holder access opening. The fusemodule can also comprise a printed circuit board and at least first andsecond terminals attached to the printed circuit board. The firstterminal can be electrically couplable to the at least one power inputand the second terminal can be electrically couplable to the at leastone power output. Each of the first and second terminals can compriseopposing resiliently movable arms. The at least one fuse holder can alsohave a body and fuse support arm extending from the body. The body andthe fuse support arm can define a fuse receiving area within which afuse can be positioned. The fuse can be removably secured between therespective opposing resiliently movable arms of the respective first andsecond terminals when the holder is in the first position.

One exemplary method for accessing fuses in a power distribution unit ofthe type for receiving at least one power input and having at least onepower output to provide power to associated electronic equipment cancomprise providing at least one fuse module mountable to a housing ofthe power distribution unit. The fuse module can comprise at least oneretractable fuse carrier configured to removably secure an electricalfuse. The method can further include moving the retractable fuse carrierfrom a first position to a second position by applying pressure to thefuse carrier. The first position is a position in which a first fusecarried by the retractable fuse carrier is electrically connected to theat least one power input and the at least one power output. The secondposition is a position in which the first fuse carried by theretractable fuse carrier is electrically disconnected from the at leastone power output.

In some implementations, the method can also include removing the firstfuse from the retractable fuse carrier when the retractable fuse carrieris in the second position and coupling a second fuse to the retractablefuse carrier when the retractable fuse carrier is in the secondposition. The method can further include moving the retractable fusecarrier from the second position to the first position. The secondposition then being a position in which the second fuse carried by theretractable fuse carrier is electrically disconnected from the at leastone power input. The first position then being a position in which thesecond fuse carried by the retractable fuse carrier is electricallyconnected to the at least one power input and the at least one poweroutput.

It is intended that the above method steps, and other method stepsdescribed herein, need not be performed in any particular order unlessotherwise noted.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module for use with afused electrical device for receiving at least one power input andhaving at least one electrical component can comprise a base mountableto the fused electrical device. The fuse module can also comprise atleast one fuse carrier coupled to the base and movable relative to thebase. In certain implementations, the assembly comprises two or morecarriers. The at least one fuse carrier is capable of removably securinga fuse and being selectively movable between a first position and asecond position. The fuse module can also include at least a first fuseterminal capable of being in electrical communication with the at leastone power input and at least a second fuse terminal capable of being inelectrical communication with the at least one electrical component. Thefirst and second fuse terminals can be fixed relative to the base and bein removably retaining communication with a fuse carried by the fusecarrier when the fuse carrier is in the first position to electricallyconnect the fuse and the first and second fuse terminals. In specificaspects of the fuse module, the at least one fuse carrier is movablefrom the first position to the second position to remove the fuse fromretaining communication with the first and second fuse terminals toelectrically disconnect the fuse from the fuse terminals.

In some implementations where the base is mounted to a fused electricaldevice, the fuse carrier can comprise a user engaging portion positionedexternally to the fused electrical device. The fuse carrier can alsocomprise a fuse retaining portion positioned within the fused electricaldevice when the carrier is in the first position and positionedexternally to the fused electrical device when the fuse carrier is inthe second position.

In some specific exemplary implementations, the fuse module can have abody and a fuse support arm extending from the body where a fusereceiving area is defined between the body and the support arm. In oneimplementation, the support arm can be resiliently movable relative tothe body to removably secure a fuse within the fuse receiving area. Inanother implementation, the fuse carrier can have lateral supportportions extending about the fuse receiving area between the body andthe support arm, and a stop extending from the body. The lateral supportportions are capable of resisting movement of a fuse positioned in thefuse receiving area in a lateral direction and the stop is capable ofresisting movement of the fuse in a longitudinal direction.

In some specific exemplary implementations, the fuse module base caninclude a first sidewall and a corresponding second sidewall extendinggenerally parallel to each other to define a carrier receiving areatherebetween. The fuse carrier can be pivotably attached to the firstand second sidewalls within the carrier receiving area to accommodaterotatable movement of the fuse carrier between the first and secondpositions and at least partially within the carrier receiving area.

In other implementations where the base is mounted to a fused electricaldevice, a fuse carried by the fuse carrier is positioned within theelectrical device when the fuse carrier is in the first position andexternally to the device when the fuse carrier is in the secondposition.

In some implementations, the first and second fuse terminals cancomprise two opposing resiliently flexible portions adapted to flex toremovably retain a fuse carried by the fuse carrier between the flexibleportion when the fuse carrier is in the first position.

In some implementations, the fuse module can further comprise a printedcircuit board electrically couplable to the at least one power input andthe at least one electrical component of the fused electrical device.The first fuse terminal can be electrically coupled to the printedcircuit board and electrically couplable to the at least one power inputand the second fuse terminal can be electrically coupled to the printedcircuit board and electrically coupleable to the electrical componentvia the printed circuit board.

In some implementations, the fuse carrier is rotatable relative to thebase. In these implementations, the fuse carrier can be selectivelyrotatable between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations, the fuse module can include at least one fusecondition indicator associated with a fuse carried by the fuse carrier.The fuse condition indicator can be in electrical communication with thefuse carried by the fuse carrier when in the fuse carrier is in thefirst position.

In one exemplary embodiment, an electrical equipment rack assembly cancomprise an electronic equipment rack for housing electronic equipment,a power distribution unit having a housing mounted to the electronicequipment rack and at least one fuse module mounted to the powerdistribution unit housing. In specific implementations, the powerdistribution unit is vertically mounted to the electronic equipmentrack. In yet other implementations, the power distribution unit ishorizontally mounted to the electronic equipment rack

The foregoing and other features and advantages will become moreapparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds withreference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a power distribution apparatusconstructed in accordance with one specific exemplary implementation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a back side of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the top panel of a housing of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a side wall of the housing of theapparatus of FIG. 1 including fuse state indicators.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are a side view and a plan view of a back panel of thehousing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the remaining side wall of the housingof the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a partial detailed axonometric view of an embodiment includinga device for holding power plugs in engagement with the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a partial plan view with the front panel removed anda partial elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of a fuseassembly included in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an exploded partial perspective view showing anotherembodiment of a fuse assembly.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a removable fuse card of the fuseassembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the removable fuse card of FIG. 13 mountedwithin the housing shown in FIG. 12 with the front panel removed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fuse assemblyassociated with the apparatus of FIG. 1 and in which an element changesstate to indicate a fuse condition.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the fuse assembly embodiment shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a fuseassembly in which an element changes state to indicate fuse conditions.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the fuse assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a fuse condition indication circuitthat can be used in selected embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 mountedvertically in an electronic equipment rack.

FIG. 21 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 20 but showing an oppositeside of the apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted withinthe confines of an electronic equipment rack having doors providingaccess to the apparatus and other components mountable in the rack.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power distributionunit having a plurality of fuse modules mounted to a housing of thepower distribution unit.

FIG. 25 is a perspective fragmentary view of one of the plurality offuse modules shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a top fragmentary view of the fuse module of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuse holder associatedwith the fuse module of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuse terminal associatedwith the fuse module of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the fuse module of FIG. 25 butshown with the fuse holder in the open position.

FIG. 30 is a frontal view of the fuse module of FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the fuse module of FIG. 25 butshown with the fuse holder in the closed position.

FIG. 32 is a frontal view of the fuse module of FIG. 25.

FIG. 33 is a perspective fragmentary view of one embodiment of a fusemodule having two fuse holders.

FIG. 34 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of ahorizontally mountable power distribution unit showing power inputs anda plurality of power outputs mounted to a housing of the powerdistribution unit.

FIG. 35 is a rear elevation view of the power distribution unit of FIG.34 showing a plurality of fuse modules displaced along the powerdistribution unit housing.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the power distribution unit of FIG. 34mounted horizontally in an electronic equipment rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a fuse module with a movable fuse holder for use with afused electrical apparatus are described herein. As defined herein, afused electrical apparatus can be any electrical apparatus configured orconfigurable to provide overcurrent protection to one or more componentsof the electrical apparatus or components connected to the electricalapparatus. Although the illustrated embodiments are described inrelation to an electrical power distribution unit (PDU) having one ormore power inputs and power outputs, it is recognized that any ofvarious other types of fused electrical apparatus, such as, for example,radios, televisions, computers, machining equipment and appliances, canbe used.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fused electrical apparatus is an electricalPDU, such as PDU 1, that is adapted to receive one or more polyphase, orsingle-phase, power inputs and has a plurality of outputs, such assingle-phase power outputs. The description of a PDU is merely forexemplary purposes and is not limiting in any way. Moreover, theparticular embodiments of PDUs described herein are merely examples ofPDUs

It should be noted that this specification employs spatially orientingterms to explain relative locations. In order to provide orientationwith respect to the housing 2, the vertical dimension is also referredto as the longitudinal dimension. The horizontal dimension across thefront panel 9 is the lateral dimension. The third dimensionperpendicular to the surface of the front panel 9 is the transversedimension.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, a first three-phase plug 3, whichin this example is for a three-phase application, is connected to athree-phase alternating current source (not shown). A first power cord 4couples power to the housing 2. A second three-phase plug 7 may beconnected to the three-phase alternating current source. A second powercord 8 couples power to the housing 2 from the second plug 7. The threephases provided through the first plug 3 are arbitrarily referred to asphases A, B, and C. The three phases provided through the second plug 7are arbitrarily referred to as X, Y, and Z.

With reference now to FIG. 2, circuitry in the housing 2 divides thethree phase alternating current into a plurality of single phase inputsto components plugged in to the PDU 1. At a front panel 9 of the housing2, single phase voltage is provided at one or more outlets, which can bearranged individually or interconnected in outlet modules or banks aswill be further described below.

The present embodiment utilizes separate first and second plugs 3 and 7so that multiple power inputs can be provided, such as for a datacenter, telecommunications central office, or broadcast networkequipment rack. Alternatively, a single power input could be provided.

The elongated dimension of the housing 2 may be referred to as thevertical direction because in some implementations, when the housing 2is mounted in a rack assembly, the front panel 9 is disposed in avertical plane. Notwithstanding the elongated dimension being referredto as the vertical direction, it is recognized that in someimplementations, the front panel of the housing 2 or, in otherimplementations, the front panel of a housing of another fusedelectrical device, can be disposed in a horizontal (see FIGS. 34 and35), diagonal, or other plane when mounted in a rack. Accordingly, thefused electrical devices as described herein are not limited to anyparticular orientation independent of or with respect to an electronicequipment rack.

First and second power receptacle banks, or ganged outlets, 10, 12extend vertically adjacent a lower end of the housing 2. Each bankcomprises a plurality of power receptacles, such as eight powerreceptacles 13 as shown in some of the illustrated embodiments,interconnected together.

Each receptacle 13 may comprise a standard 120 volt grounded outlet.Third and fourth power receptacle banks 14, 16 extend vertically abovethe first and second power receptacle banks 10, 12 and may be onopposite sides of a vertical centerline 15 of the front panel 9. Fifthand sixth power receptacle banks 18, 20 extend successively verticallyabove the third and fourth power receptacle banks 14, 16. Seventh andeighth power receptacle banks 22, 24 are vertically aligned andhorizontally adjacent to the banks 10, 12 respectively. Ninth and tenthpower receptacle banks 26, 28 are vertically aligned and horizontallyadjacent to the third and fourth banks 14, 16 respectively. Similarly,eleventh and twelfth power receptacle banks 30, 32 are verticallyaligned with and horizontally adjacent to the fifth and sixth powerreceptacle banks 18, 20.

Other numbers of power receptacle banks could be provided and each powerreceptacle bank could include a different number of receptacles 13.Other phase connections could be made. The various banks of receptaclesmay be connected to different ones of the phases A, B and C and X, Y andZ. In the present embodiment, the banks of receptacles are connected aswill described with reference to FIG. 2 below.

In a preferred form, the electrical apparatus includes displays 34, 36,38, 40, 42, 44 for respectively displaying the currents drawn in each ofphases A though C and X through Z. The displays may be located on thefront panel 9 between the power receptacle banks 20 and 32 and an upper,or longitudinally distal, end of the housing 2. A first set of threedisplays 34, 36, 38 are aligned in a first vertical column, and a secondset of three displays 40, 42, 44 are aligned in a second vertical columnlaterally adjacent to the first vertical column of the first set ofdisplays 34, 36, 38. Preferably, each one among the displays 34-44indicates RMS current levels for a particular phase of power provided bythe PDU 1 (in this case, A, B, C, X, Y, and Z respectively).

The PDU 1 may be a power distribution apparatus having particularfeatures, such as intelligent power distribution, remote powermanagement, power monitoring, and environmental monitoring. An exampleof such a system is the Dual-Feed Power Tower XL manufactured by ServerTechnology, Inc. of Reno, Nev. For this type of power distribution unit,further interface ports, described below, are provided in the frontpanel 9.

Although increasing the number of vertically racked or stacked servers,such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 20-22, can conserve valuablefloor space, the resulting power consumption and heat dissipationassociated with the serves can create new concerns for data centermanagers. Once temperature increases above a particular threshold, datasystem server failure rates increase 2-3 percent for every one degreerise in temperature. First and second environmental monitoring ports,such as monitoring ports 48, 50 shown in FIG. 1, can be provided in thelongitudinal center of the front panel 9 to receive input signalsindicative of temperature and humidity, respectively, from a measurementdevice, such as one commonly used in the art.

In some implementations, communications interfaces are provided by firstand second communications ports 55, 56 at the upper end of the frontpanel 9. The first and second ports 55, 56 may comprise RJ-45connectors. In specific implementations, the first communications port55 may be a serial, RS-232 port and the second communications port 56may be an Ethernet port.

In the power distribution of FIG. 1, each bank of receptacles is“fused.” In other words, each of the power receptacle banks 10, 12, 14,16 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are each protected by a fuse as willbe further described below. As shown, and which will be described inmore detail below, the fuses are made accessible without the need todisassemble the housing 2, e.g., as by removing the front panel 9 fromthe housing 2.

In some embodiments, the PDU 1 comprises fuse state indicators, such asfuse state indicators 58, so that the state of the fuse may bedetermined by visual inspection. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the PDU 1has six fuse state indicators 58 with each indicator comprising awindow, such as windows 60-70, through which two fuses can be visible.In other embodiments, other numbers of fuses can be mounted behind eachwindow 60-70.

In the present example, removable window 60 provides not only access tofuses within the housing 2 but also an indication of the states of fusesfor the first and sixth banks 22, 24. Similarly, windows 62, 64, 66, 68,70 are indicators for fuses associated with banks 10 and 12, 26 and 28,14 and 16, 30 and 32, and 18 and 20, respectively. Each of the windows60-70 can be generally planer shaped and removable in a manner as willbe described below in more detail to provide access to fuses. In someimplementations, the windows 60-70 may be made from, for example,Lucite, polycarbonate resin, or other transparent, or semi-transparent,material.

The windows 60-70 are mounted in or over apertures 220-230 (see, inparticular, FIG. 5), respectively, formed in a first side wall 80 of thehousing 2. In some implementations, the side wall 80 can be joined toand extend substantially perpendicular to the front panel 9. Theapertures 220-230 formed in first side wall 80 are located laterallyadjacent the fuses mounted within the housing 2 such that the fuses areobservable through the apertures 220-230 and fuse windows 60-70 mountedin or over the apertures.

Although not specifically shown, in some embodiments, the apertures canbe formed in the front panel 9 or rear panel 188 of the PDU housing 2.For example, apertures can be formed in the front panel 9 adjacent oneor more of the power receptacle banks, such as between two adjacentpower receptacle banks.

Fuses of the type used in power distribution apparatus change inphysical appearance, as by taking on a burnt look for example, when theyblow or become inoperable. The fuse status of these types of fuses canbe indicated by viewing through one of the corresponding windows 60-70.

In alternative embodiments, as will be discussed in more detail below,the status of a fuse may be indicated by a device that activelyindicates the status of the fuse, such as, for example, a light emittingdiode (LED). The LED may be on or off in correspondence with the stateof the fuse so as to provide an indicator of fuse condition that isviewable at a substantial distance away from the housing 2.

In specific implementations, the housing 2 can include a rack mountingsection 81. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the rack mounting section 81includes a mounting contour, or channel, 82 formed in the housing 2. Themounting contour 82 can comprise a rectangular cutout in the plane ofthe first side wall 80 having one side in line with a rear wall 208 (seeFIG. 3) of the housing 2. The contour 82 thus provides a generallyU-shaped detent or mounting channel in the housing 2.

The rack mounting section 81 can also include other components forsecuring the housing 2 in a given spatial relationship in a rack, aswill be described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Themounting contour 82 facilitates mounting of the housing 2 in aconventional electronic equipment rack assembly, such as a RETMA rack.

As further described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 20 below,the rack mounting section 81 allows the housing 2 to be removablypositioned or mounted vertically on the rearward portion of a horizontalmounting rail in an equipment rack assembly. In this fashion, thehousing 2 may be mounted substantially or even entirely within theinternal confines of the equipment rack assembly, reducing wiring andequipment access space consumption within the equipment rack assembly,and allowing wiring to and from the housing 2 and associated electronicequipment in the rack assembly to be easily, safely, and securelymaintained within the confines of the rack.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the PDU 1. In FIG. 2, the samereference numerals are used to denote items corresponding to those inFIG. 1. The first power cord 4 is connected to a first main terminalblock 100 which in turn is connected to and transmits power to first,second, and third bank supply terminal blocks 101, 102, 103. Similarly,the second power cord 8 is connected to a second main terminal block110, which is connected to and transmits power to fourth, fifth, andsixth bank supply terminal blocks 111, 112, 113.

The first bank supply terminal block 101 couples phases A and B to thefirst and second power receptacle banks 10, 12, respectively. The secondbank supply terminal block 102 couples phases B and C to third andfourth power receptacle banks 14, 16, respectively. The third banksupply terminal block 103 couples phases C and A to fifth and sixthpower receptacle banks 18, 20, respectively.

Similarly, the fourth bank supply terminal block 111 couples phases Xand Y to seventh and eighth power receptacle banks 22, 24, respectively.The fifth bank supply terminal block 112 couples phases Y and Z to ninthand tenth power receptacle banks 26, 28, respectively. The sixth banksupply terminal block 113 couples phases Z and X to eleventh and twelfthpower receptacle banks 30, 32, respectively.

As denoted in the diagram of the first power receptacle bank 10, whichis illustrative of the wiring and fusing of all power receptacle banksidentified above, each receptacle 13 has a first terminal 118 connectedto a first phase input line 120, a second terminal 116 connected to asecond phase input line 121 and a third terminal 117 connected to agrounded line 122. In some implementations where the power sourceprovides a single phase line-neutral power input, the second phase inputline 121 can be a neutral return line.

The receptacles 13 of the representative first power receptacle bank 10are fused together via the line 120. Each line 120 includes fuse mountterminals 123, 124 connected to opposite ends of a fuse 131.Accordingly, fuse 131 electrically couples the phase input line 120 ofthe first power receptacle bank with the first bank supply terminalblock 101. One or more pairs of first and second fuse mount terminals123, 124 may be included in a fuse holder 125. The first and second fusemount terminals 123, 124 may consist of lugs soldered to fuses, fuseclips or other fuse mounting structures available or known in the art.

Similar to fuse 131, fuse 132 electrically couples the phase input line120 of the second power receptacle bank 12 with the first bank supplyterminal block 101. Similarly, fuses 133, 134 electrically couple thephase input line 120 of the third and fourth power receptacle banks 14,16, respectively, with the second bank supply terminal block 102. Fuses135, 136 electrically couple the phase input line 120 of the fifth andsixth power receptacle banks 14, 16, respectively, with the third banksupply terminal block 103. Fuses 141, 142 electrically couple the phaseinput line 120 of the seventh and eighth power receptacle banks 22, 24,respectively, with the fourth bank supply terminal block 111. Fuses 143,144 electrically couple the phase input line 120 of the ninth and tenthpower receptacle banks 26, 28, respectively, with the fifth bank supplyterminal block 112. Fuses 145, 146 electrically couple the phase inputline 120 of the eleventh and twelfth power receptacle banks 30, 32,respectively, with the sixth bank supply terminal block 113.

A control circuit 150 is coupled to each of the first through third banksupply terminal blocks 101-103 and each of the fourth through sixth banksupply terminal blocks 111-113. The control circuit 150 may provide theintelligent power distribution, remote power management, powermonitoring and environmental monitoring as provided in the above-citedDual-Feed Power Tower XL system. The structure and operation of thecontrol circuit 150 do not form part of the present invention althoughthe control circuitry 150 has novel and unexpected interactions in thecontext of the present embodiment. The control circuit 150 interfaceswith the first, second, and third bank supply terminal blocks 101, 102,103 to provide RMS current signals coupled to the associated first,second, and third RMS current level displays 34, 36, 38, respectively.Similarly, the control circuit 150 is coupled by the fourth, fifth, andsixth bank supply terminal blocks 111, 112, 113 to provide currentsignals to the associated fourth, fifth, and sixth RMS current leveldisplays 40, 42, 44, respectively.

The first though sixth bank supply terminal blocks 101, 102, 103, 111,112, and 113 are also coupled to provide inputs to the control circuit150. Calculation of an RMS current signal is done in a known manner. Forexample, phase current measurement is provided in the above-citedDual-Feed Power Tower XL system.

The first and second environmental monitoring ports 48, 50 are connectedto the control circuit 150 and receive inputs from a temperature sensor156 and a moisture sensor 158, respectively. The above-cited Dual-FeedPower Tower XL system also provides for IP (internet protocol) networkfunctionality. The control circuit 150 is connected to the first andsecond communications ports 55, 56 to communicate the status of thesystem. A condition-sensing circuit 162 is coupled to the controlcircuit 150 to report on such conditions as an open circuit in serieswith one of the bank supply terminal blocks 101-103 or 111-113.

Although the circuit diagram of FIG. 2 includes main and bank supplyterminal blocks, in some embodiments, the terminal blocks are notincluded and the various electrical components interconnected via theterminal blocks are, in some cases, directly electrically connected toeach other.

The structure of the housing 2 of FIG. 1 is further understood withreference to FIGS. 3-8. Generally, the PDU 1 can be comprised ofadjoining panels and walls, such as first side panel 80 described above,forming a generally elongate rectangular shape.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a second side wall or panel 182 issubstantially parallel to the first side wall 80. Like first side wallor panel 80, the second side wall 182 (also illustrated in FIG. 8) isjoined to and extends perpendicular to the front panel 9 (alsoillustrated in FIG. 4) at an side of the front panel 9 laterallyopposite the side of the front panel to which the first side wall 80 isjoined. The second side wall 182 also includes the mounting contour 82,as does the first side wall 80.

The PDU 1 can also include the back or rear panel 188 (see FIGS. 3, 6and 7) that is joined and extends perpendicular to the first side wall80 and second sidewall 182.

In the illustrated embodiments, fasteners, such as fasteners 185, e.g.metal screws, as shown in FIG. 15, project through apertures formed inadjoining panels and walls to join the front panel 9, back panel 188 andthe first and second side walls 80 and 182 to close the housing 2. Insome implementations, an end mounting bracket 191 may be affixed to thelongitudinally distal end of the housing 2 to facilitate mounting thePDU in a rack unit (see FIG. 1). The housing 2 may have rack mountingfeatures that can facilitate mounting to rack rails in a horizontalunit. Alternatively, as in the present example, the housing 2 may haverack mounting features that can facilitate mounting to a wall in avertical rack unit (further illustrated below in FIGS. 20-23) to providefor convenient location with respect to power cords of rack mountedequipment and to avoid taking up vertical space within the confines ofrack rails.

In some implementations, the rack mounting features can include the rackmating section 81 of the housing 2, which is formed in a portion of theback panel 188. As described above, the rack mating section 81 includesa mounting contour channel 82 defined by a central indented surface 194and first and second central transverse surfaces 196, 198. The centralindented surface 194 is disposed intermediate the first and second rearsurfaces 206, 208 and extends generally parallel to the rear surfaces.The first central transverse surface 196 extends generally perpendicularto the central indented surface 194 and first rear surface 206 and isdisposed intermediate the first rear surface and the central indentedsurface. The second central transverse surface 198 extends generallyperpendicular to the central indented surface 194 and second rearsurface 208 and is disposed intermediate the second rear surface and thecentral indented surface. Upper and lower ends, i.e., longitudinallydistal and proximal opposite ends, of the housing 2 are closedrespectively by first and second outer transverse surfaces 202 and 204included in the back panel 188. The first central and outer transversesurfaces 196, 202 are joined by the first rear surface 206. Secondcentral and outer transverse surfaces 198, 204 are joined by the secondrear surface 208.

For rack mounting purposes, first and second longitudinally extendinglocator pins 210, 211 extend longitudinally from the first centraltransverse surface 196. The first and second locator pins 210, 211operate in conjunction with the mounting section 81 to operate as adetent. Third and fourth locator pins 213, 214 extend longitudinallyfrom second outer transverse surface 204. The locator pins 210, 211,213, 214 may function to constrain the PDU 1 in a position within a rackas will be described below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 20-22.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first side wall 80 includes first through sixthrectangular apertures 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, which receive thefirst through sixth windows 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, respectively. Thewindows 60-70 may be retained in any one of a number of manners,examples of which are described below. The first side panel 80preferably has apertures 234 through which threaded fasteners, such asfasteners 185, may extend to thread into mating passages 235 (FIG. 4) inlaterally disposed surfaces of the front panel 9 and the back or rearpanel 188 to secure the first side panel to the front and back panels.

As shown in side view in FIG. 6, the back panel 188 includes first andsecond flanges 235, 236 extending perpendicularly from the first andsecond rear surfaces 206, 208, respectively, of the back panel. Similarflanges (not shown) extend perpendicularly from the first and secondrear surfaces 206, 208, respectively, of the back panel at edges of theback panel that are transversely opposite the edges from which the firstand second flanges 235, 236 extend. The flanges of the back panel,including the first and second flanges 235, 236, preferably includethreaded apertures 237 in registration with the apertures 233 (FIG. 5)to receive fasteners, such as fasteners 185. Other well-known means maybe used for receiving fasteners such as self-fitting nuts. The secondside panel 182 (FIG. 8) may be secured to the back panel 188 in the samemanner.

In an exemplary embodiment, the end mounting bracket 191 has first andsecond legs 241, 242 which are preferably perpendicular to each other.The first leg 241 is mounted to the first outer transverse surfaces 202of the back panel 188 by fasteners 245. The second leg 242 has anaperture 246 (See FIG. 7) which may receive a fastener 247 for mountingin a rack unit.

As shown in FIG. 9, according to one exemplary embodiment, additionalapertures 248 may penetrate the first and second side walls 80, 182,respectively, at a forward side of the side walls to receive oppositeends of a plug retainer 250 configured to hold AC plugs 252 inengagement with receptacles 13. In the illustrated embodiments, plugretainer 250 is a wire with sufficient stiffness to hold a plug 252 inplace when opposite ends of the retainer are secured in one aperture 248in the first side wall 80 and a second aperture (not shown) in thesecond side wall 182. The wire should have sufficient flexibility torespond to manual force to be pushed onto or off of an end of the plug252 remote from the front panel 9 and provide a press fit.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first window 60 is exemplaryof the first through sixth windows 60-70. Fuses 131 and 132 are locatedlongitudinally side by side and laterally adjacent the first window 60within the interior confines of the housing 2. Each of the first andsecond fuses 131, 132 is connected between one of the pairs of first andsecond fuse mount terminals 123, 124. Each pair of first and second fusemount terminals 123, 124 is electrically connected to one of the phaseinput lines 120.

A volume or space within the housing 2 in which the fuses 131, 132 aredisposed when coupled to the first and second fuse mount terminals 123,124 is referred to herein as a fuse compartment 137. Fuse compartments,e.g., fuse compartment 137, can be in registration, or aligned, with thefirst through sixth windows 60-70 respectively. In the presentembodiment, the exemplary fuse compartment 137 is accessible by removalof a window, e.g., window 60, without disassembly of the housing 2. Thefuse compartments of the PDU 1 may be segregated from other areas withinthe housing 1. For example, in some implementations, the housing caninclude walls (not shown) that isolate the fuse compartment from theremainder of the interior volume of the housing 2. Therefore, amanufacturer could permit a user to open up only that portion of the PDU1 necessary to reach one of the fuses, e.g., 131, 132, while not havingto void a warranty for opening up the rest of the housing 2. Specificexamples of means of fastening the windows 60-70 are illustrated below.

The pairs of first and second fuse mount terminals 123, 124 and firstand second fuses 131, 132 are mounted to a circuit board, such ascircuit board 304. The PDU 1 can include first through sixth circuitboards, e.g., circuit board 304, each disposed within a respective fusecompartment, e.g., fuse compartment 137.

The housing 2 may be constructed so that the windows 60-70 are removablewith simple hand tools. The windows 60-70, including the respectiveapertures 220-230 to which the windows are mounted, may be dimensionedfor easy access to fuses such as the first and second fuses 131, 132.Easy access may comprise access by fingers of a user or by hand tools.

As described above, the fuses, such as fuses 131, 132, are visiblethrough the windows, such as window 60, which are mounted to thehousing. Window 60 is received and mounted in aperture 220. The aperture220 can be recessed so that the window 60 is substantially flush withthe first side panel 80. The first window 60 is retained to the firstside wall 80 and within the aperture 220 by first and second fasteners301, 302, which may comprise screws.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the circuit board 304is mounted to the window 60 for convenience. For example, at each cornerof the circuit board 304 one of first though fourth standoffs 307, 308,309, 310 maintain the circuit board 304 at a preselected transversedisplacement from the window 60. First through fourth standoff fasteners311, 312, 313, 314 pass through the window 60 and respective standoffs307, 308, 309, 310 and are retained in the circuit board 304. In otherembodiments, the circuit board 304 could be mounted to the housing 2 ifdesired.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, an alternative embodiment of a PDU havinghousing 2 is shown. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 12, in someembodiments, the window receiving apertures, such as aperture 220, caninclude a recessed or stepped portion 221 to facilitate mounting of awindow within the aperture 220 such that the window is substantiallyflush with an outer surface of the housing 2, which in this embodimentis the outer surface of a flanged portion 79 of the back panel 188.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 13, in one specific embodiment, theprinted circuit board can be a fuse card 326 that includes a tab 328having copper tab terminals 330. The pairs of first and second fusemounting terminals 123, 124 coupled to each fuse 131, 132 are eachcoupled to at least one of the tab terminals 330 of fuse card 326.Referring to FIG. 14, the tab 328 is received in a conventional cardconnector 336 providing mechanical support for the fuse card 326 andproviding the series connection of each of the fuses 131, 132 in one ofthe lines 120 (not shown). The tab terminals 330 and card connector 336are wired in a well-known manner to provide the above-described seriesconnections of the fuses 131, 132 in series between the first supplyterminal block 101 (FIG. 2) and the first and second receptacle banks10, 12 respectively. The card connector 336 is supported directly orindirectly to the housing 2. In the present example, for simplicity inillustration, the card connector 336 is supported to an inner side ofthe second rear surface 208 of the back panel 188 (FIG. 3) by fasteners340. In some implementations, the connector 336 can be mounted to andsupported by the front panel 9 (FIG. 1) or first side panel 80 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, other embodiments of a fuse assembly havingfuse state indicators are shown. A fuse state indicator is an indicatordevice whose state corresponds to whether a fuse is conductive or blown.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fuse state indicatorseach comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) 361, 362 each electricallyconnected to one of the fuses 131, 132, respectively, and visiblethrough the window 60. The window 60 is mounted to the side panel 80 ofthe housing 2 by fasteners 301, 302. The fuses 131, 132 are visiblethrough the window 60 mounted within aperture 220 formed in the sidepanel 80. Similar to the embodiments described above in relation toFIGS. 12-13, the fuse assembly can include a fuse card 326 coupled to acard connector 336, both shown in hidden lines. The fuse card 326, orother type of printed circuit board, can also be coupled to the sidepanel 80 in spaced apart relation by a fastener/stand-off combination327 also shown in hidden lines.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a fuseassembly is shown mounted to the back panel 188 of housing 2. The backpanel 188 in this embodiment comprises an additional component, e.g.,face plate 370, for mounting the window 60. The face plate 370 can beused irrespective of the type of fuse state indicator that is beingemployed. The face plate 370 has a back surface 372 in registration withthe back panel 188 and flanges 374 that extend perpendicularly, i.e.,transversely, from the lateral and longitudinal edges of the back panel.Additionally, a plurality of rectangular members, such as rectangularmember 380, projects from the flange 374 and each include a respectivefuse aperture, such as aperture 220. Each rectangular member may have agreater longitudinal extent than the apertures and windows of which theyare associated. The window 60 may be fastened to the rectangular member380 with fasteners 301, 302. A circuit board 384 may be separatelyfastened to the first rectangular member 380 of the face plate 370. Therectangular member 380 has a central cutout 386 so that fuses 131, 132on the circuit board 384 are accessible therethrough for replacement.

With reference to FIG. 18, the fasteners 301, 302 are received in nuts391, 392, which are on an opposite side of the face plate 374 from thewindow 60. Preferably, the nuts 391, 392 are adhered to the face plate374. As shown, circuit board 384 is displaced from the faceplate 374 byfirst and second standoffs 395, 396 on opposite longitudinal sides ofthe window 60 (opposite left and right sides as viewed in FIGS. 17 and18) and a third faceplate standoff 397 longitudinally intermediate thefaceplate standoffs 395, 396 and laterally displaced therefrom. Thefaceplate standoffs 395, 396, 397 may be glued to the faceplate 374 orotherwise fastened thereto. First, second and third standoff screws 401,402, 403 may secure the circuit board 384 to the standoffs 395, 396,397, respectively. The fuses 131, 132 are respectively received in firstand second fuse cartridge holders 406, 408, respectively. The first andsecond fuse cartridge holders 406, 408 extend through the circuit board384 to connect to separate pairs of first and second terminal lugs,e.g., lugs 123, 124, which in turn are electrically coupled to powerlines 120.

The indicator LEDs 361, 362 are mounted adjacent the fuses 131, 132respectively. Each LED 361, 362 is in the OFF state when itscorresponding fuse is blown and in the ON state when the fuse isconducting. In order to provide this operation, the indicator LEDs 361,362 may be connected from the load side of the fuses 131, 132,respectively, to the source side of the fuses 132, 131, respectively, soas to be energized when the fuse is conducting and to be deenergizedwhen the fuse comprises an open circuit. The LEDs 361, 362 are mountedin a conventional manner so the leads (not shown) extend from anopposite side of the circuit board 384 from which the LEDs 361, 362 arevisible for connection to circuitry further described below. Otherconnections could be provided to achieve this operation. Indicatorelements other than LEDs could also be used.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the fuse condition indication circuitthat may be used in select embodiments. In FIG. 19, the same referencenumerals are used to denote elements corresponding to those in FIG. 2.The fuses, e.g., fuse 131, is connected to the first bank supplyterminal block 101. A voltage sensor module 162 is connected to thefirst bank supply terminal block 101 to sense continuity in the powerline 120. This sensing of an open circuit is done in the same manner asin the above-cited Dual-Feed Power Tower XL system. In the presentembodiment, the voltage sensor module 162 is used to sense whether eachof the lines 120 including the fuse 131 are closed between the first andsecond outlet banks 10 or 12 (not shown) and the first bank supplyterminal block 101. If the circuit is open, the voltage sensor module162 provides a signal indicative thereof to the control circuit 150. Thecontrol circuit 150 sends an activation signal to illuminate the LED 361if the fuse 131 is blown or an activation signal to the LED 362 if thefuse 132 is blown. Otherwise, the LEDs 361 and 362 remain off. The stateof the LEDs 361 and 362 is visible through the window 60.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the electrical apparatus 1 of FIG. 1mounted in a rack 430. FIG. 21 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 20.FIG. 22 is a partial detailed view FIG. 20 illustrating the electricalapparatus 1 as viewed in the rack apparatus when facing the back panel188 of the housing 2. The same reference numerals are used to denoteelements appearing, for example, in FIGS. 1-9.

With reference now to FIGS. 20-22, the rack 430 is RETMA rack having afront side 484, first and second opposite sides 436, 437 extendingtransversely from the front side, and a back side 440 parallel to andopposite the front side. Channel-shaped horizontally disposed first andsecond bracing members 445, 446 are located at a vertical midpoint ofthe first and second sides 436, 437, respectively, of the rack 430. Thefirst and second bracing members 445, 446 preferably define verticalcross sections having a rectangular envelope. Preferably, the PDU 1 isvertically aligned with the rack 430. In other words, a longitudinalmajor dimension of the housing 2 of PDU 1 aligns with a vertical majordimension of the rack 430. The first and second bracing members 445, 446have first and second horizontally extending support surfaces 438, 439,respectively, which may comprise flanges. The first and second supportsurfaces 438, 439 each have locating apertures 441 (see FIGS. 21 and22). The locating apertures 441 may receive the locating pins 210, 211(see FIG. 22).

A pair of opposing first front and back vertically extending rack rails448 and a pair of opposing second front and back vertically extendingrack rails 449 opposite the pair of first rack rails are locatedadjacent the sides 436, 437, respectively. In the present embodiment,the first and second vertically extending rack rails 448, 449 supportthe first and second horizontally disposed bracing members 445, 446 andare further secured to first and second upper housing members 452, 453.The first and second upper housing members 452, 453 are substantiallyparallel to the first and second bracing members 445, 446 and disposedat the upper vertical extent of the rack 430. The first and secondvertically extending rack rails 448, 449 are also further secured tofirst and second lower housing members 454, 455, which are substantiallyparallel to the first and second bracing members 445, 446 and disposedat the lower vertical extent of the rack 430. The first and second lowerhousing members 454, 455 may each contain a surface having apertures forreceiving the locator pins 213, 214 (not shown) extending from thelongitudinally proximal end of the housing 2.

The rack 430 is a standard component, and the first and secondvertically extending rails 448, 449 when mounted as described are spacedform each other to support standard size rack mounted equipment units467 powered by power cords 468 (see FIGS. 9 and 23). The first andsecond rack rails 448, 449 also have fastener-receiving openings 464.Commonly, as shown in FIG. 23, rack mounted units 467 will have rackfastener passages 468, such as notches or apertures. Rack equipmentfasteners 470, such as screws secured by nuts, extend through thepassages 468 to secure the various rack mounted units 467 to the firstand second rack rails 448, 449.

The rack fastener passages 468 are preferably spaced to accommodatestandardized unit heights. Unit height is standardized in multiples,referred to as 1U, 2U, etc., of a standard height dimension U (1.75inches).

In order to provide for convenient access for users of the rack 430 toplugs 252, the PDU 1 is placed between the first and second rack rails448, 449 and the back side 440. In the present example, the housing 2 isvertically disposed with the back panel 188 facing the second side 437.As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in order to better fit in therack 430, the rack mating section 81 cooperates with the second bracingmember 446. The second bracing member 446 fits in the contour 82(FIG. 1) of the rack mating section 81. First and second locating pins211 and 212 extending vertically downwardly from the first inner lateralsurface 196 (FIG. 3) are received in apertures 441 to locate the housing2 on the second bracing member 446 adjacent the back verticallyextending rack rail 449. The second bracing member 446 provides verticalsupport to the housing 2. The pins 213, 214 at the second outer lateralsurface 204 of the housing 2 (FIG. 3) are received in the apertures (notshown) of the second lower housing member 455. The second lower housingmember 455 may also share weight applied in the vertical direction fromthe housing 2. It is possible to change the spacing of the surfaces ofthe second bracing member 446 and second lower housing member 455 tovary distribution of the weight of the housing 2.

Normally both the second bracing member 446 and second lower housingmember 455 will provide support. Alternatively, or in addition, the endmounting bracket 191 (FIG. 1) may be secured to the second upper housingmember 453 by the fastener 247 (FIG. 6).

The housing 2 is mounted so that the windows 60-70 remain visible fromthe rear or back of the rack. Therefore, the fuses 131-136 can always beinspected to determine each of their states. Since the windows 60-70remain accessible, they can be removed without removing the housing 2from the rack 430 and without disassembly of the housing 2. Therefore,any downtime due to the need to replace a fuse is minimized.

FIG. 23 is a perspective illustration similar to FIG. 20 in which thesame reference numerals are used to denote corresponding components.However, the rack 430 shown in FIG. 23 has first and second side walls480, 481 outside of vertically extending rails 448, 449, and first andsecond bracing members 445, 446. The rear front side 484 of the rack 430may be closed by a first front door 488 and a corresponding second frontdoor (not shown) pivotably mounted to sides 480 and 481, respectively,proximate the front of the rack. Similarly, a rear side 440 of the rack430 may be closed by first and second rear doors 434, 435 pivotablymounted to sides 480, 481, respectively, proximate the rear of the rack.Further rack mounted equipment units 467 may be mounted to the first andsecond rack rails 448, 449 (FIG. 20). Power cords 468 may beconveniently plugged in the housing 2.

In accordance with the above teachings, fuses are provided in a readilyaccessible position. More specifically, the housing 2 of the PDU 1 isconfigured so that when it is mounted in an apparatus, such as anelectrical equipment rack, the fuses can be accessed by removing justthe covers, e.g., the windows 60, without having to remove the entirehousing 2 from the apparatus. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.20-23, the windows 60 are mounted in the side wall 80 (FIG. 1), and thehousing 2 is mounted on the left side, or side 437, of rack 430 as seenin FIGS. 20 and 23. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the windows60-70 could be included in side wall 182 illustrated in FIG. 3 and thehousing 2 could be mounted on the right side, or side 436, of the rack430. Windows 60-70 mounted in the side wall 182 would be unobstructedwhen the housing 2 is mounted on the left side of the rack 430. Thehousing 2 may be constructed in either configuration.

Fused circuitry may be isolated from the fuses themselves so that a usermay be permitted to open a fuse compartment without having to open acircuit enclosure, which might void a warranty.

Further, the state of the fuses may be inspected without having toremove fuse covers or open a fuse compartment. For example, a fuse maybe inspected through a transparent window. Alternatively, a fuse stateindicator element may be provided having first and second states eachcorresponding to a conductive or nonconductive state of the fuse.Different fuse-carrying structures are provided, each of which allowsfor simplicity and convenience in replacing fuses. Fingers or simplehand tools may be used. Indicators are provided which may interact withexisting intelligent power control circuitry.

Alternatively, circuit breakers (not shown) may be provided. Suchcircuit breakers could be mounted within the side wall 182 of thehousing 2 so that they can be readily observed or reset by a userwithout opening the housing 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the housing 2 is readily mountable withinthe confines of a rack so that the fuse covers or windows are readilyaccessible. Consequently, down time resulting from inspecting orreplacing fuses is minimized. When a communications server is down,saving even a few minutes in completing service is of great value tousers. The construction of the detent allows a single service technicianto have the PDU remain in place while fasteners are being inserted tosecure the PDU to the rack.

Many modifications may be made in the specific teachings provided aboveto provide an electrical apparatus constructed in accordance with theabove disclosure.

For example, described hereinafter are embodiments of a retractable orrepositionable fuse module for use with a fused electrical apparatus.The retractable fuse module provides easy access to one or more fuses ofthe fused electronic apparatus. In some implementations, the fuse modulecan be manipulated by a user to reposition a fuse holding portion foreasy access to one or more fuses coupled to the fuse holding portion.

Referring to FIG. 24, and according to one illustrative embodiment, aplurality of fuse modules having a repositionable or retractableportion, 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d, 510 e, 510 f, is shown mounted to apower distribution unit 512. As sometimes used herein, the fuse modulescan be termed repositionable, or retractable, fuse modules. The PDU 512is similar to PDU 1 described above except that PDU 512 is adapted toreceive a single power input, instead of two power inputs. Further, likePDU 1, PDU 512 has multiple columns of vertically arranged powerreceptacle banks. However, the receptacle bank columns of PDU 512 inthis example are not horizontally or laterally adjacent each other as inPDU 1, but are rather only vertically aligned with each other.

PDU 512 can include a housing 514, a power input 516, which in thisexample is for a three-phase application, and a plurality of powerreceptacles, or outlets, 518. The plurality of receptacles 518 can beorganized into first and second receptacle banks 520 a, 520 b, third andfourth receptacle banks 520 c, 520 d, and fifth and sixth receptaclebanks 520 e, 520 f, each comprising a single column of multiple outlets518 interconnected with each other. The first and second receptaclebanks 520 a, 520 b can be electrically connectable to a first phase ofthe three phase power input 516, the third and fourth receptacle banks520 c, 520 d can be electrically connectable to a second phase of thethree phase power input, and the fifth and sixth receptacle banks 520 e,520 f can be electrically connectable to a third phase of the threephase power input, such that each receptacle, or outlet, 518 providessingle phase power to components plugged into the outlets.

Alternatively, as will be described below in relation to FIG. 33, insome embodiments, the retractable fuse module of the present applicationcan be adapted to be mounted to and be operable with a PDU having twothree-phase power inputs and sets of horizontally adjacent receptaclebanks, such as PDU 1 described above.

In other embodiments, the power distribution unit can be adapted toreceive one or more single-phase power inputs connected to asingle-phase alternating current source (not shown) for providing singlephase power to one or more outlet banks.

Referring now to FIG. 25, the fuse module 510 a, being exemplary of fusemodules 510 b, 510 c, 510 d, 510 e, 510 f, includes, for example, abase, or mount, 522 mounted to an external surface 515 of a sidewall 517of the power distribution unit housing 514 and a retractable fuseholder, e.g., retractable fuse carrier 564. In the illustratedembodiments, the base 522 includes two opposing sidewalls 528 thatextend longitudinally in relation to the housing 514 and transverse tothe external surface 515 of the housing sidewall 517 when the base ismounted to the housing as shown in FIG. 25. The base 522 furtherincludes a mounting wall 530 intermediate and coupling the sidewalls.The mounting wall 530 includes an inwardly directed surface (not shown)that is parallel to and coextensive with the external surface 515 of thehousing sidewall 517 when mounted to the housing 514 and an outwardlydirected surface, or carrier support surface, 532 opposite the inwardlydirected surface. A fuse carrier receiving area 534 is defined betweenthe mounting wall 530 and opposing sidewalls 528.

The base 522 also includes a pair of opposing slot portions 540 with oneslot portion 540 formed in one base sidewall 528 and the other formed inthe other base sidewall 528. As shown in FIG. 25, the slot portions 540face each other. Each slot portion 540 extends generally transverse tothe surface 515 of the housing sidewall 517 upon which the base 522 ismounted from an outer surface 542 of the sidewalls 528 of the base awayfrom the housing 514 to the outwardly facing carrier support surface 532of the base. The slot portions 540 include opposing resiliently flexibletabs 544 with each tab extending toward the opposing tab at a slightangle from fixed ends 546 at the outer surface 542 of the sidewalls 528toward free ends 548 near the outwardly facing carrier support surface532.

The length of the tabs 544 is such that the free ends 548 are locatedintermediate the outer surface of the base 522 and the carrier supportsurface 532 of the base. In other words, the length of the tabs 544 issuch that a space is defined between the free ends 548 of the tabs andthe carrier support surface 532.

Similar to the apertures, or passageways, 220-230 penetrating the firstside wall 80 of PDU 1 described above, the power distribution unithousing 514 includes at least one fuse passageway 550 through which aninterior of the housing can be accessed (see FIGS. 29 and 31). However,instead of receiving a transparent window as in embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-23, the at least one fuse passageway 550 receives a retractablefuse module, such as fuse module 10 a. More specifically, the base 522is mounted to the housing 512 substantially over the correspondinghousing fuse passageway 550 such that the interior of the housing 514can be accessed through the housing fuse passageway 550 and a base fusepassageway 552 penetrating the base 522.

In some implementations, mounting apertures 554 penetrate the base 522and correspond to and align with apertures 556 (see FIG. 29) formied intabs 557 fixed to the housing 514. A fastener, such as a screw 558, canbe inserted through the mounting apertures 554 and tab apertures 556 andtightened to secure the base 522 to the housing 514.

In the illustrated embodiments, each housing fuse passageway 550corresponds to one or more outlet banks, such as outlet bank 520 a,mounted to the housing. Each passageway 550 penetrates a side of thehousing 514 adjacent the corresponding outlet bank or banks. In thisway, each base of the retractable fuse modules 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d,10 e, 10 f corresponds to one of the respective outlet banks 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 20 d, 20 e, 20 f.

The power distribution unit 512 can include a plurality of printedcircuit boards, with printed circuit board 560 being exemplary of suchboards, mounted to and disposed within the housing 514. Each printedcircuit board is associated with at least one adjacent outlet bank. Forexample, printed circuit board 560 is associated with outlet bank 520 a.The printed circuit board 560 is electrically coupled to the power input516 via one or more power input connections (not shown) disposed on theprinted circuit board and to each outlet bank of the corresponding pairof adjacent outlet banks 520 a via respective power output connections(not shown) disposed on the printed circuit board. The power input andoutput connections are electrically couplable via circuitry formed on orin the printed circuit board 560.

The retractable fuse module 510 a can include, for example, a pair offuse terminals, or clips, 562 mounted to the printed circuit board 560,such as by soldering or through use of mounting structures available orknown in the art.

As shown in FIG. 25, in one exemplary implementation, fuse carrier 564includes a generally cylindrical portion 566 and a user engaging portion568.

The pair of slot portions 540 receives end portions 570, 571 of thecylindrical portion 566 of the fuse carrier 564. As perhaps best shownin FIG. 26, in specific implementations, each end portion 570, 571 ofthe cylindrical portion 566 at least partially extends into a respectiveopposing slot portion 540 and is retained within the slot portion by theresiliently flexible tabs 544 formed in each slot portion. The spacedefined between the free ends 548 of the tabs 544 and the carriersupport surface 532 is larger than a maximum diameter of the endportions 570, 571 of the cylindrical portion 566. Further, the sidewalls528 and slot portions 540 are spaced apart from each other such that thedistance between the fixed ends 546 of the opposing tabs 544 is slightlylonger than the length of the carrier cylindrical portion 566 and thedistance from the free ends 548 of opposing tabs is shorter than thelength of the carrier cylindrical portion 566 when the tabs are in anun-flexed state.

The fuse carrier 564 is retractable or repositionable relative to thebase 522 and the housing 514 to which the base is mounted. For example,as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the fuse carrier 564 ismovably attached to the base 522, such as by pivoting. In this example,the fuse carrier 564 is movable attached to the base 522 by insertingthe end portions 570, 571 of the cylindrical portion 566 into theopposing slot portions 540 proximate the outer surface 542 of the base.The fuse carrier 564 can then be moved inwardly toward the carriersupport surface 532 of the base 522, such as by sliding the end portions570, 571 within the slot portions 540. As the fuse carrier 564 is moved,the end portions 570, 571 of the fuse carrier contact and urgerespective opposing tabs 544 to flex or move away from each other. Thetabs 544 continue to flex until the end portions 570, 571 of thecylindrical portion 566 move beyond the free ends 548 of the tabs 544,at which time the resiliently flexible tabs return to an un-flexedstate. With the tabs 544 in the un-flexed state, the end portions 570,571 of the cylindrical portion 566 are disposed between and capturedwithin the free ends 548 of the tabs and the carrier support surface 532of the base 522, and the end portions of the cylindrical portion areallowed to rotate within the space. In this manner, the fuse carrier 564can be movably retained within the fuse carrier receiving area 534 ofthe base 522.

In other embodiments, the fuse carrier can be attached to the base byother known connecting mechanisms that allow movement of the carrierrelative to the base, such as by a pin extending through an axialpassageway in the cylindrical portion of the carrier and engagingcorresponding holes in the base (see FIG. 34), a hinged connection, orother mechanism or mechanisms commonly known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 27, and according to one exemplary embodiment, fusecarrier 564 includes a body 580 having a first end 582 and a second end584. The user engaging portion 568 extends from the body 580 at alocation on an outwardly facing surface 586 of the body intermediate thefirst and second ends 582, 584 and in a direction from the second end584 toward the first end 582. The fuse carrier 564 also includes a fusesupport arm 588 having a first portion 590 that extends generallytransversely from an inwardly facing surface 592 of the body 580,opposite the outwardly facing surface 586 of the body, at a locationproximate the second end 584 of the body. The support arm 588 alsoincludes a second portion 594 that extends from the first portion 590 ata location away from the inwardly facing surface 592 of the body 580 ina direction substantially parallel to the inwardly facing surface of thebody and from the second end 584 toward the first end 582. A fusereceiving area 596 is defined between the inwardly facing surface 592 ofthe body 580 and the first and second portions 590, 594 of the fusesupport arm 588.

As shown in FIG. 27, the fuse receiving area 596 is sized to receive andretain a fuse 600, similar to fuses 131, 132 described above. The fuse600 includes first and second conductive ends 601, 603. In theillustrated embodiments, the second portion 594 of the support arm 588has a length of at least half the length of the fuse 600. For laterallysupporting the fuse, i.e., to resist lateral movement of the fuse, thefuse carrier 564 can also include lateral support arms 602 extendingfrom the carrier body 580 to the second portion 594 of the support arm588. Further, longitudinal movement of the fuse 600 away from the secondend 584 of the carrier body 580 can be resisted by a stop 611 extendingtransversely from the inwardly facing surface 592 of the carrier body ata location proximate the first end 582 of the body.

The support arm 588 can be resiliently movable relative to the body 580to removably secure fuse 600 within the fuse receiving area 596 in, forexample, a snap-fit type arrangement. For example, the fuse 600 can beinserted into the fuse receiving area such that the fuse contacts andcauses the support arm 588 to move. As the fuse 600 is fully insertedinto the fuse receiving area 596, the support arm 588 resiliently movesback into an unbiased state and the stop 611 and lateral support arms602 retain the fuse in the fuse receiving area. A user can remove thefuse 600 from the fuse receiving area 596 by grasping the fuse from end601 and pulling the fuse in a partially downwardly direction to overcomethe biasing force of the support arm 588 and move the arm downwardlyaway from the body. The fuse 600 can then be slide out of the fusereceiving area 596.

Referring to FIG. 28, terminal, or clip, 562, exemplary of the terminalsof the present disclosure, is shown having printed circuit boardconnectors, or tabs, 606 extending away from opposing fuse clamp arms608. The circuit board connectors 606 extend from a terminal base 610approximately transversely to the base. The fuse clamp arms 608 are eachcoupled to the terminal base 610 at a fixed end 612 of the arms, extendgenerally transversely to the base, and terminate at a free end 614 awayfrom the base.

The fuse clamp arms 608 are flexible to allow movement of the arms awayfrom each other when pressure exceeding a biasing force of the arms isapplied to the arms. The arms 608 are resilient in that they return toan un-stressed or un-flexed state when the pressure is released. Thefuse clamp arms 608 include opposing curved recessed portions 616intermediate the fixed end 612 and the free end 614 of the arms.Preferably, the curved recessed portions 616 have a contour thatapproximately corresponds with the external surface of the ends 601, 603of fuse 600. Further, the free ends 614 of the fuse clamp arms 608 mayhave opposing beveled or angled surfaces 618 generally facing each otherand adjoining the recessed portions 616. In the un-stressed or un-flexedstate, a maximum lateral distance between the opposing recessed portions616 and a minimum lateral distance between the beveled surfaces 618 issmaller than an outer diameter of the ends 601, 603 of the fuse 600.Preferably, the maximum lateral distance between opposing recessedportions 616 is greater than the minimum lateral distance between thebeveled surfaces 618.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, a pair of fuse clips 562 is attachedto the printed circuit board 560 by inserting the circuit boardconnectors 606 into corresponding apertures, or plugs, 620 in theprinted circuit board and securing the connectors to the printed circuitboard, such as by soldering. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the pairof fuse terminals 562 is a power input fuse terminal and the plug 620 inwhich it is inserted is electrically connected to one of the power inputconnections via the printed circuit board circuitry. The other of thepair of fuse terminals 562 is a power output fuse terminal and the plug620 in which it is inserted is electrically connected to a power outputconnection, and thus one or more power outlets 518, via the printedcircuit board circuitry.

The fuse carrier 564 is shown rotatably mounted to the base 522 in afirst or opened position in FIGS. 29 and 30. In the opened position, thefuse receiving area 596 of the carrier 564 is disposed outside of, orexternal to, the housing 512 such that fuse 600 retained within the fusereceiving area is correspondingly disposed outside of the housing. Insome implementations, the cylindrical portion 566 of the carrier 564includes a stop 622 that contacts the carrier support surface 532 of thebase 522 to prevent over-rotation of the carriers.

From the open position, a user can apply a pressure against the userengaging portion 568 of the fuse carrier 564 to rotate the carrier aboutan axis that is coaxial with the cylindrical portion 566 in a directionindicated by arrow 623 (see FIG. 29). The carrier 564 can be rotated bythe user in the direction indicated by arrow 623 until a shoulderportion 626, extending from the carrier body 580 and coextensive withthe outwardly facing surface 586 of the body, contacts the carriersupport surface 532 to resist further rotation of the fuse carrier andto place the carrier in a second or closed position (see FIG. 31), thusretracting the fuse carrier from the open position to the closedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the fuse carrier 564 is shown in thesecond or closed position. In this position, the fuse receiving area 596of the carrier 564 is disposed within the interior of the housing 514such that fuse 600 retained within the fuse receiving area iscorrespondingly disposed within the interior of the housing.

As the fuse carrier 564 is rotated from the open position to the closedposition, the first and second ends 601, 603 of the fuse 600 contactrespective beveled surfaces 618 of the fuse clips 562. Since the maximumdistance between at least a portion of the respective beveled surfaces618 of the clips is smaller than the outer diameter of the ends 601, 603of the fuses, further rotation of the carrier 564 causes the first andsecond ends 601, 603 of the fuse 600 to slide against and apply pressureto the respective beveled surfaces 618 of the clips 562. Such pressure,if greater than the biasing force of the clamp arms 608, urges the armsto move away from each other until the ends 601, 603 of the fuse 600slide into the respective opposing curved recessed portions 616 of thearms. The clamp arms 608, being resilient and biased toward theun-flexed state, move toward each other to effectively clamp the ends601, 603 of the fuse 600 between the recessed portions 616 of the arms(see FIG. 32).

In the closed position, the power input fuse terminal is electricallyconnected to the first end 601 of fuse 600 and the power output fuseterminal is electrically connected to the second end 603 of the fuse.With functional, i.e., un-blown, fuses connected to the terminals inthis manner, a closed circuit is formed between the power input and thepower outlets 518. In other words, power from the power input 512 can betransmitted to the power outlets 518 via the power input fuse terminal,the fuse, and the power output fuse terminal.

In preferred embodiments, the power distribution unit 512, or otherelectrical device, includes a fuse condition indicator so that the stateof the fuse may be determined by visual inspection. For example,referring to FIG. 1, fuse condition indicators 620 are displayselectrically coupled to the fuse 600 and provide a visual indication asto whether the fuse is active, i.e., operable, or blown, i.e.,inoperable. The displays can be analog or digital displays and indicatethe status of the one or more fuses or the level of power beingtransmitted to a particular bank of outlets. In the latter example, ifthe level of power displayed falls below a predetermined levelindicative of a blown fuse, a user can visually determine if the fuse isactive or blown.

Although not shown, in some implementations, the fuse conditionindicator is a light emitting diode (LED) similar to those shown inFIGS. 15-18 and described above in more detail. The LED may be on or offin correspondence with the state of the fuse.

When a fuse is blown and/or requires replacement, the fuse module 510 acan be used to easily disconnect and access the fuse without tools ordisassembly. For example, if fuse 600 is blown, as indicated by a fusecondition indicator or otherwise determined, a user can rotate thecarrier 564 from the closed position to the open position. This isaccomplished by applying a pressure that exceeds the biasing force ofthe clamp arms 608 on the user engaging portion 568 in a directionindicated by arrow 624 (see FIG. 31). Upon initial rotation of thecarrier 564, the clamp arms 608 are urged away from each other by thefuse 600 as the fuse ends 601, 603 slide out of the respective opposingrecessed portions 616 to effectively un-clamp, i.e., disconnect, thefuse from the terminals 608. The carrier 564 is rotated into the openposition as indicated in FIGS. 29 and 30 such that the fuse 600 isaccessible external to the housing 514, thus retracting the fuse carrierfrom the closed position to the open position.

With the carrier in the open position, a user can manually access thefuse 600 and remove it from the carrier 564 by gripping the first end ofthe fuse 601 and urging it in a direction away from the carrier body 580such that the first end of the fuse clears the stop 611. Once the firstend 601 of the fuse 600 clears the stop 611, the user can urge the fuseaway from the first portion 590 of the fuse support arm 588. In thismanner, the fuse 600 can be removed from the fuse receiving area 596 andthus the carrier 564. A new or operable fuse can then be inserted intoand retained within the fuse receiving area 596 of the carrier 564.Finally, a user can rotate the carrier 564 from the open position in thedirection indicated by arrow 623 to the closed position such that thenew fuse is connected to the terminals 562.

In some embodiments, the base 522 and carrier 564 are made from anon-conductive material, such as plastic, and can be manufactured usingcommon molding techniques known in the art. However, in someembodiments, the base 522 is made from a conductive material (see, e.g.,FIG. 34). The terminals, e.g., terminal 562, can also be made from aconductive material. As used herein, a conductive material can be any ofvarious conductive materials, such as a conductive metal or metal alloy.For example, in some implementations, the conductive material is one ormore of copper, nickel and aluminum.

Although the fuse modules 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d, 510 e, 510 f ofthe present disclosure are shown and described as having a singlecarrier 564 facilitating access to a single fuse 600, it is recognizedthat the same features and principles can be applied to fuse moduleshaving more than one carrier for accessing more than one fuse. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 33, a fuse module 700 having two carriers 714,716 in tandem, with each carrier providing access to a separate fuse, isshown mounted to housing 718 of a PDU. The base 712 of the module 700 issimilar to the base 522 shown in FIGS. 24-32, except that the base 712is lengthened and includes a duplicate set of carrier receiving featuresto accommodate an additional carrier. Further, the carriers 714, 716 aresimilar to carrier 564 shown in FIGS. 24-32 and are retractable in asimilar manner to electrically disconnect from a printed circuit board720 and provide access to fuses retained by the carriers. As can berecognized, the fuse module 700 shown in FIG. 33 can include the samecomponents and features as described above for module 510 a excepthaving duplicate components where applicable.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-36, a PDU, such as PDU 800, can be configuredfor horizontal mounting within an electronic equipment rack, such aselectronic equipment rack 900, which is similar to electronic equipmentrack 430 described above. The PDU 800 is similar to PDU 1, 512 describedabove in that it includes a housing 802, a front panel 804, rear panel806, first and second power inputs 808, 810, a plurality of poweroutlets, with outlet 812 being representative of such outlets, and fuseaccess openings (not shown).

However, PDU 800 has certain differences in comparison to PDU 1, 512.For example, PDU 800 has a 2U unit height and is configured forhorizontal mounting within an electronic equipment rack. Morespecifically, the housing 802 has an overall length that issubstantially less than the overall length of PDU 1, 512. The length ofthe PDU housing 802 can be less than a width of the interior of the rack900. The width of the interior of the rack 900 can be defined as theminimum distance between right hand side vertically extending rails 902,904 and respective left hand side vertically extending rails 906, 908.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 36, the PDU 800 can mounted horizontallywithin the confines, e.g., between respective vertically extending rails902, 904 and 906, 908, of the rack 900.

Although the PDU 800 is shown mounted horizontally proximate a bottomrear portion of the rack, in other embodiments, the PDU 800 could bemounted horizontally at any of various locations within the rack, suchas, for example, a top rear portion of the rack or a middle rear portionof the rack.

Referring to FIG. 34, the housing 802 of the PDU 800 includes anelongate front panel 804 on which the plurality of outlets 812 and thefirst and second power inputs 808, 810 are displaced. The housing canalso include current indicators 814, 816 and communications ports 818displaced on the front panel 804.

The first and second power inputs 808, 810 and the plurality of poweroutlets are electrically connected to fuse modules, such asrepresentative fuse module 820, mounted to and at least partiallypositioned within fuse access openings (not shown) formed in the backpanel 806. Fuse module 820 is similar to fuse module 510 a describedabove. However, fuse module 820 includes a base 822 having sidewalls 824that are narrower and shorter than sidewalls 528 of fuse module 510 a.In some embodiments, the base 822 is made from a metal, which is someinstances, allows the base to be less bulky, e.g., narrower and shortersidewalls, than if made with a plastic, while providing sufficientstrength and rigidity to comply with safety regulations.

The fuse module 820 has a movable fuse carrier 828 removably securing afuse 828. As with fuse module 510 a, the movable fuse carrier 828 can bemoved, such as by rotating, between (i) a first position in which thefuse 828 is electrically coupled to the first or second power input andat least one of the plurality of outlets; and (2) a second positionwhich the fuse prevented from being electrically connected to the powerinputs and power outlets.

Although the fuse carrier of the illustrated embodiments is shown asretaining a single fuse, it is recognized that in some embodiments, thefuse carrier of the present disclosure can be modified to retain morethan one fuse.

Also, in addition to a fuse module having a retractable fuse carrierthat pivots with respect to a fuse module base, other approaches toproviding a fuse carrier that is repositionable relative to a fusemodule base can be used.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustratedembodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken aslimiting in scope. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims.We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope andspirit of these claims.

1. A fuse module for use with a fused electrical device for receiving atleast one power input and having at least one electrical component, thefuse module comprising: a base mountable to the fused electrical device;at least one fuse carrier secured to the base and movable relative tothe base, the at least one fuse carrier capable of removably securing afuse and being selectively movable between a first position and a secondposition, said fuse carrier comprising: a body; a fuse support armextending from the body, wherein the body and the support arm define afuse receiving area therebetween; lateral support portions extendingabout the fuse receiving area between the body and the support arm,wherein the lateral support portions resist movement of a fusepositioned in the fuse receiving area in a lateral direction; and a stopextending from the body, wherein the stop resists movement of the fusein a longitudinal direction; and at least a first fuse terminal capableof being in electrical communication with the at least one power inputand at least a second fuse terminal capable of being in electricalcommunication with the at least one electrical component, the first fuseterminal being fixed relative to the base and in removably retainingcommunication with a fuse carried by the fuse carrier when the fusecarrier is in the first position to electrically connect the fuse andthe first and second fuse terminals; wherein the at least one fusecarrier is movable from the first position to the second position toremove the fuse from retaining communication with the first and secondfuse terminals to electrically disconnect the fuse from the first andsecond fuse terminals.
 2. The fuse module of claim 1, wherein when thebase is mounted to a fused electrical device, the fuse carriercomprises: (i) a user engaging portion positioned externally to thefused electrical device; and (ii) a fuse retaining portion positionedwithin the fused electrical device when the carrier is in the firstposition and positioned externally to the fused electrical device whenthe fuse carrier is in the second position.
 3. The fuse module of claim1, wherein the support arm is resiliently movable relative to the bodyto removably secure a fuse within the fuse receiving area.
 4. The fusemodule of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first sidewall and acorresponding second sidewall extending generally parallel to each otherto define a carrier receiving area therebetween, and wherein the fusecarrier is pivotably attached to the first and second sidewalls withinthe carrier receiving area to accommodate rotatable movement of the fusecarrier between the first and second positions and at least partiallywithin the carrier receiving area.
 5. The fuse module of claim 1,wherein when the base is mounted to a fused electrical device, a fusecarried by the fuse carrier is positioned within the electrical devicewhen the fuse carrier is in the first position and externally to thedevice when the fuse carrier is in the second position.
 6. The fusemodule of claim 1, wherein the first and second fuse terminals eachcomprise two opposing resiliently flexible portions adapted to flex toremovably retain a fuse carried by the fuse carrier between the flexibleportion when the fuse carrier is in the first position.
 7. The fusemodule of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit boardelectrically couplable to the at least one power input and the at leastone electrical component of the fused electrical device, wherein thefirst fuse terminal is electrically coupled to the printed circuit boardand electrically couplable to the at least one power input and thesecond fuse terminal is electrically coupled to the printed circuitboard and electrically couplable to the least one electrical componentvia the printed circuit board:
 8. The fuse module of claim 1, whereinthe fuse carrier is rotatable relative to the base, and wherein the fusecarrier is selectively rotatable between the first position and thesecond position.
 9. The fuse module of claim 1, further comprising atleast one fuse condition indicator associated with a fuse carried by thefuse carrier, the fuse condition indicator being in electricalcommunication with the fuse carried by the fuse carrier when in the fusecarrier is in the first position.
 10. The fuse module of claim 1,wherein the at least one fuse carrier comprises at least two fusecarriers.